Coroners & Medical Examiners by City

Coroners & Medical Examiners by County

About Coroners & Medical Examiners

Can the family of the deceased request that an autopsy not be performed?

Generally, a family can make a request that an autopsy not be performed. In some cases, the Coroner or Medical Examiner may be able to accommodate the family. However, an autopsy may be required in other cases based on the circumstances. The Coroner or Medical Examiner has the final decision over whether to perform an autopsy.

Are there fees for the services of a Coroner or Medical Examiner?

Coroners and Medical Examiners are government offices funded by tax dollars. Their typical services do not require a fee from the family of the deceased. In cases where the office provides additional services, such as when a family requests an autopsy that the Medical Examiner has determined is not necessary, a fee will be charged.

Is an autopsy always necessary in medical examiner cases?

In cases of a natural death, where no crime is suspected and there is no public health risk, an autopsy is not usually required.